The 10 coolest countries in Europe for a summer holiday: where to escape the heat?

The Polarsteps travel app has compiled a ‘Summer Heat Index’ and identified the best European destinations for those looking to beat the summer heat. Find out which countries made it into the top 10

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More and more tourists are deliberately choosing cooler destinations for their summer holidays instead of the traditional Mediterranean sun. According to a survey conducted by the travel app Polarsteps in April 2026, 35% of travellers this year chose a cooler holiday destination — and more than one in five did so for the first time. Euronews reports on the findings of the study.

Read also: Europe’s sunniest beaches in 2026 — the top 10 resorts with the least rainfall in summer.

How was the ranking compiled?

Based on this trend, Polarsteps has launched its first ‘Summer Heat Index’ — an analysis of 25 European countries across six criteria:

● average daytime temperature in August;

● average night-time temperature in August;

● average sea temperature in August;

● forest cover;

● population density;

● availability of free camping.

The result is a ranking of the most comfortable destinations for those who find the summer heat too much.

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Top 10 coolest countries in Europe according to the ‘Summer Heat Index’

1. Iceland — 83.81/100

2. Finland — 77.02/100

3. Norway — 76.06/100

4. Sweden — 75.14/100

5. Estonia — 72.18/100

6. Latvia — 68.37/100

7. Lithuania — 65.27/100

8. Switzerland — 60.10/100

9. Ireland — 54.44/100

10. United Kingdom — 50.74/100

Iceland — the undisputed leader in coolness

Iceland tops the ranking with a score of 83.81 out of 100 — and rightly so. The average daytime temperature here in August is just 10.7°C, whilst at night it is even lower, at 8.1°C. The country offers some of the coldest swimming spots in Europe: the average sea temperature near Akureyri in August is just 9.5°C.

Other advantages include the lowest population density on the continent and ample opportunities for legal camping. Iceland is for those who want not just to escape the heat, but to completely recharge amidst unspoilt nature.

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland or any other country on the list, make sure to take out travel health insurance in advance. You can do this quickly online via Visit Ukraine.

Finland and Norway: nature and cool weather

Finland comes second and scores highest for its natural environment. Almost three-quarters of the country is covered in forests, the August temperature hovers around 17°C, and the conditions for hiking and outdoor activities are among the best in Europe.

Norway rounds off the top three. What sets it apart is the combination of mild summer temperatures and the coldest swimming spots on the continent. The average sea temperature in Ny-Ålesund in August is just 5.3°C. Vast wilderness areas and the possibility of legal camping make Norway ideal for true nature lovers.

Sweden and the Baltic States: an affordable alternative to Scandinavia

Sweden, with an average daytime temperature of 17°C in August, takes fourth place. An added bonus is ‘Allemansrätten’ – the constitutional right to free access to nature, which allows you to walk, camp and relax practically anywhere.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania performed particularly well, making it into the top ten of the ranking in 5th, 6th and 7th places respectively. This makes the Baltic states a new and attractive alternative for those seeking cooler climes but who do not wish to travel all the way to Scandinavia.

The Atlantic coast: warm, but with a cool sea

Polarsteps also highlights an interesting feature of Europe’s Atlantic coast: some coastal areas of France, Spain and Portugal offer relatively cool water for swimming even at the height of summer — thanks to the Atlantic currents. For example, in Portsoll (France), the average sea temperature in August is just 15.1°C; in A-Guardi (Spain), it is 16.6°C; and in Viana do Castelo (Portugal), it is 16.6°C.

This is an option for those who want to combine warm air with a refreshing sea — without having to travel far north.

We remind you! Extreme heat is having an increasingly significant impact on Europe’s tourism industry. Some travellers are already postponing their holidays until spring and autumn, or choosing cooler countries instead of traditional Mediterranean resorts. Read more about how climate change is forcing tourists to rethink their holiday plans.

Photo: mumemories / Freepik

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